Page 9 - AHATA

a8 local
Monday 26 June 2023

Aruba’s underwater wonderland

ORANJESTAD - Exploring the underwater won-
ders is something you should definitely do dur- Antilla shipwreck
ing your stay in Aruba. The underwater world Antilla is a 400-foot-long long ship, built in 1939
has everything to offer that makes a snorkel in Hamburg, Germany. Antilla came to Aruba,
trip so exceptional; an impressive, colorful sea because it had to find a neutral port. When
life with exotic fishes, turtles and beautiful cor- Germany invaded the Netherlands on May 10,
al reef. The historic shipwrecks, located on the 1940, the crew decided to let their own ship
Aruban seabed are also worth a visit. Aruba is sink, to prevent it from falling into the hands
known for its white beaches and blue oceans, of the Dutch Navy. Antilla lies on its portside in
which means there are many fascinating under Malmok bay, and the sunken word war two ship
water spots, where you can take your snorkel- is now one of Aruba’s most popular snorkeling
ing gear and we selected the top spots for you. and dive spots. However, the ship wreck can
only be reached by boat. The ship is visible from area marked until where it is recommended to
Tres Trapi the surface and during your snorkeling trip you snorkel and on the beach you will find different
Tres Trapi means tree steps in Papiamento, Pa- be surrounded by hundreds of tropical fishes, facilities. It is a perfect beach to spend your day
piamento is together with Dutch the official lan- but the ship wreck alone is already impressive snorkeling and relaxing.
guage spoken on Aruba. The beach is called enough.
Tres Trapi because it is accessible by the tree Mangel Halto
steps carved into the rocks. Tres Trapi is a small Baby Beach Mangel Halto beach is located in Savaneta, on
rocky beach, located on the north-western Baby beach; a white beach, with a crystal blue the southern-west part of the island. The beach
side of the island, approximately 5 to 10 minute ocean. The beach is located on the southern is different from the other beaches in Aruba; it is
drive from Palm Beach. From the unique steps part of the island. On the way to the famous beach full of mangroves. You reach the beach
you can easily walk over the beach into the beach, you will drive through the old capital of by a bridge through the mangroves and then
clear and turquoise blue ocean. While snorkel- Aruba, San Nicolas. The old Aruban culture can you will have several entrances to the sea.
ing you will encounter all kind of tropical fishes be still felt and experienced here, so do not hes- There are diverse spots where you can enjoy a
and sea stars. The kind of starfish you will find in itate to get out of your car and walk around for perfect beach day, wooden stairs made to en-
the Aruban waters is the red cushion sea star. a while. Baby beach is a child friendly beach, ter the water and a dock to sit on and enjoy the
This is a starfish that is commonly found in the since it is shallow and the water has a pleas- view. Mangel Halto is also worth a visit for the
shallow waters of the Caribbean sea and if you ant temperature. The name therefore fits well snorkeling experience. Inside the bay, the water
are lucky during your snorkeling visit to Tres Tra- with the beach. Baby beach is an excellent is clear and you find many colorful fish. Outside
pi, you may come across one of the green sea beach for snorkeling, especially if you want to the bay is a bit more challenging for beginners
turtles. Respect the animal, keep your distance go with small children, because the water re- because of the wind and the waves, but the
and enjoy the view. Also remember; it is a once mains shallow and there are still many under- coral is alive and it is just like snorkel heaven.q
in a life time experience. water wonders to see. In the ocean there is an